A New Era for Ethical Gig Work

The gig economy is often associated with low wages, lack of job security, and platforms prioritizing profits over workers. But Up & Go is proving that an alternative is possible. This innovative platform, powered by worker-owned cooperatives, offers professional cleaning services while ensuring fair wages, democratic decision-making, and economic empowerment for its members.

How Up & Go Started: A Community-Driven Vision

Up & Go was born out of a desire to bring worker cooperatives into the digital marketplace. Developed by the Center for Family Life in Sunset Park (CFL), the platform provides independent cleaning professionals with a way to market their services without relying on profit-driven middlemen.

“We wanted to ensure that the cleaning professionals could sell their services online while maintaining ownership and control,” says Juan Cuautle, Program Director at CFL.

This model allows cleaners to retain more earnings compared to mainstream gig platforms while offering customers a socially responsible alternative.

Challenges and Growth in a Competitive Market

Building a tech-driven cooperative was no easy feat. Unlike typical startups, where a CEO makes executive decisions, Up & Go’s worker-owners collaborate democratically. This structure, while empowering, required balancing rapid innovation with community-driven governance.

Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic forced Up & Go to pause operations. However, the cooperative’s resilience was evident when sales rebounded stronger than before, demonstrating the loyalty of their customers and the strength of their model.

Key Strategies for Success: Centralizing Support

A turning point for Up & Go was the decision to centralize administrative services. By handling customer inquiries, bookings, and logistics on behalf of worker-owners, the platform enabled its members to focus on providing high-quality cleaning services without the stress of backend operations.

Lessons for Entrepreneurs in the Cooperative Space

For those looking to launch their own ethical businesses, Up & Go shares this advice:

“Success in the gig economy takes patience. Build your customer base one person at a time, and use your personal network to gain momentum.”

This slow-growth, community-based approach has been key to Up & Go’s sustainability.

A Better Work-Life Balance for Worker-Owners

Unlike traditional gig platforms that demand long hours with little flexibility, Up & Go empowers its members to set their own schedules and prices. This autonomy fosters better work-life balance while maintaining high service standards.

“The cooperative model allows for collaboration, fair wages, and flexibility—benefits that extend to both workers and customers,” the team explains.

Regular meetings, skill-sharing sessions, and celebrations of success keep worker-owners engaged and motivated.

Future Expansion and Impact

Up & Go recently expanded into Philadelphia, with plans to bring its cooperative model to additional cities. Their success has gained international attention, positioning them as a leader in ethical alternatives to traditional gig work.

“Our goal is to help more workers thrive in cooperatives while offering customers an ethical choice.”

Press Features

For more on Up & Go’s impact, check out these notable press mentions: